Environmental Education Center announces upcoming programs

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge has scheduled the following Naturalist-led programs to help children and adults enjoy the wonder and the beauty of nature with spring in the air in Somerset County. The Environmental Education Center provides many entertaining and educational programs for children and adults year around. Register online at somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489.

YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS

Young Explorers Club
Mondays, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Children age infant to 5 with a parent will experience the wonders of nature through outdoor activities to stimulate the five senses. Fee is $30 per pair and $15 per additional child. Advance payment required.

KinderNats
Mondays, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 4-5 p.m.
Children ages 5 to 7, who are enrolled in kindergarten and first grade will study science and explore the natural world through games, Naturalist-led activities, and more. Fee is $24 per person for the 4-day session. Advance payment required.

Tree House Gang
Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 12:45-3:15 p.m.
Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 12:45-3:15 p.m.
Children ages 3 to 5 will be entertained and educated at these afternoon science and nature classes. Program will include hikes, hands-on activities, interacting with live animals, and creating crafts. Fee is $65 per person for the 4-day session. Advance payment required.

Maple Sugaring
Saturday & Sunday, March 2 & 3; March 9 & 10 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and noon and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Everyone is invited to see how trees are tapped, how sap is collected, and witness the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. Schools and organized groups may arrange for weekday demonstrations by calling 908-766-2489. The program is free. Pre-registration is not required for individuals and families. Groups are encouraged to call ahead.

Garden Discovery Tour - Philadelphia Flower Show
Wednesday, March 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Adults are invited to join three Naturalists on a day trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme of the show is “Brilliant” and visitors will enjoy the beauty and creativity of Great Britain’s most celebrated growers and florists. Fee is $70 per adult & $60 per senior. Advance payment required.

Birding at Middle Creek
Tuesday, March 7 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Adult birders will join a Naturalist on a journey to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeast Pennsylvania, home to thousands of ducks, geese and swans on spring migration. Fee is $50 per adult and $40 per senior. Advance payment required.

Blue “BOBO (Buy One – Bring One) Fridays” bins now are located at the Environmental Education Center and Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, as well as at the Somerset County Park Commission headquarters at North Branch Park in Bridgewater. The public is invited to drop off canned food or personal-care items for donation to Somerset County food banks.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at somersetcountyparks.org. Like them on Facebook and Twitter.